Day 8: Fukuoka - Kushida Shrine, Tochoji Temple, teamLab Forest Fukuoka, Souvenir shopping. On the final day of our Kyushu self-drive trip, we took time to explore Fukuoka, a vibrant and historical city that's perfect for travelers who want to blend cultural sightseeing with a touch of modern excitement. We returned our rental car, opting to use public transport to experience the city at a relaxed pace. Fukuoka has an efficient subway and bus system, making it easy to navigate even if you … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 4: Yanagawa 柳川 & Itoshima 糸島)
Day 6: Donkubune Canal Ride (Yanazawa), Tenmangu Shrine, Itoshima. Day 6 took us through the picturesque rural landscapes of Kyushu, beginning with a straightforward 1.5-hour drive from Kumamoto to Yanagawa 柳川(岡山県). Our first stop was the charming town of Yanagawa, where we enjoyed the Donkubune Canal Ride —an experience we prebooked through a local website. Drifting down the tranquil canals lined with traditional Japanese homes, our boatman entertained us with local music and shared … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 3: Mount Aso 阿蘇火山)
Day 5: Mt. Aso, Helicopter Ride, Kusarenri Observatory, Mt. Aso Museum, Daikanbo Observatory. Journey to Mount Aso: A Scenic Adventure Today’s drive to Mount Aso is an exhilarating adventure, characterized by a series of steep hairpin turns over a 1.5-hour journey. This drive can be quite challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with mountain roads, so we strongly recommend that drivers ensure they are well-rested the night before embarking on this … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 2: Kumamoto 熊本 & Takachiho Gorge 高千穂峡)
Day 3: Nagasaki to Kumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, Josaien, Shimotori Shopping Arcade. On Day 3 of our journey, we departed from Nagasaki and embarked on a 1.5-hour drive to Kumamoto. Kumamoto is significantly larger than Nagasaki and has a vibrant atmosphere which reminded us of bustling Sapporo. Hotel: We chose REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS, a modern, contemporary hotel in the heart of Kumamoto city, adjacent to Shimotori Shopping Arcade. We had slight difficulty locating the hotel carpark at … [Read more...]
DIY Japan – 8D7N Kyushu Self-Drive Trip (Part 1: Nagasaki 長崎)
After a five-year hiatus, we found ourselves back in Japan to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We decided to avoid the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (in Honshu) and embarked on an 8-day, 7-night self-drive, free and easy adventure across the tranquil landscapes of Kyushu which took us through Nagasaki 長崎, Kumamoto 熊本, Mount Aso 阿蘇火山, Yanagawa 柳川, Itoshima 糸島, and Fukuoka 博多. We enjoyed the casual vibes of Kyushu while taking-in the splendour of nature. We will … [Read more...]
DIY Chiang Mai Thailand with Kids – Itinerary & Tips!
Our first trip to Chiang Mai and it is more surprising than we thought! Beautiful Chiang Mai! Top 8 Exciting Family-Friendly Things to Do in Chiang Mai Here we are, soaring about a thousand feet in the sky on a paramotor aircraft, looking down at the wide expanse dotted with farmland. I cannot believe what I was experiencing and none of us expected ourselves to be doing this here in one of Thailand's popular tourist destination but here we are, welcome to Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai … [Read more...]
The Chiang Mai Old Town Hotel Review
Captivating the Hearts of Families Nestled within the heart of Chiang Mai's historic old town, The Chiang Mai Old Town Hotel stands as a beacon of charm, comfort, and cultural immersion. This boutique gem doesn't just offer accommodation; it crafts an experience that caters to families seeking a blend of heritage, relaxation, and activities for all ages in Chiang Mai. With a promise to capture the hearts of both young and old, we embarked on a journey to explore why The Chiang Mai Old Town … [Read more...]
The Chiang Mai Riverside Hotel Review
An Idyllic Haven for Families Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Ping River, The Chiang Mai Riverside Hotel stands as a serene oasis that beckons families to unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of Northern Thailand. This hidden gem isn't just an accommodation; it's a sanctuary that caters to families seeking a harmonious blend of relaxation, cultural discovery, and entertainment for all ages. Join us as we delve into the reasons why The Chiang Mai Riverside Hotel is a top-tier … [Read more...]
Review – InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Vietnam
When rain was a blessing, truly. We were looking forward to this stay at the InterContinental® Danang Sun Peninsula Resort as a respite from the hustle of touring Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during our ‘epic’ DIY Vietnam trip with kids. Even though we were really looking forward to the stay, the incessant December rain had other plans for us. Little did we know that the rain, instead of being a dampener, enhanced our experience! Here’s why: Like A Hearty Home-made Soup: The … [Read more...]
DIY Nagoya Japan with Kids – Itinerary and Recommendations
We have been to Japan multiple times and have covered the ‘major’ cities, including the three major amusement parks (Click here for our post on our itineraries and experiences to 16 countries including Japan). Legoland Japan, really takes the cake with some seriously good activities. On our last trip, we decided to visit Nagoya before going to Hokkaido, as we wanted to discover a new city other than Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. We were so thrilled to find Autumn blooms at … [Read more...]